栄枯(えいこ)

栄枯(えいこ) is a literary word describing the cycle of prosperity and decline. It is composed of 栄(えい) (flourishing) + 枯(こ) (withering) — a metaphor from the natural life cycle of plants.

Key expression

栄枯盛衰(えいこせいすい) (rise and fall, vicissitudes of fortune) is a well-known four-character compound (四字熟語(よじじゅくご)). The phrase 栄枯盛衰(えいこせいすい)は世(よ)の常(つね) ("rise and fall is the way of the world") is a classic saying.

Usage

栄枯(えいこ) is formal and literary. It appears in writing about history, empires, families, or businesses rather than in everyday conversation.

Similar words

• 盛衰(せいすい): rise and fall (similar meaning, slightly more common)
• 浮沈(ふちん): ups and downs (more modern, used for careers, companies)
• 興亡(こうぼう): rise and fall (of nations or empires)